The National Library of Australia (the Library) is a shared space for research, study, learning and cultural tourism. Visitors come to explore our collections, exhibitions and heritage building, enjoy our cafes, use our services onsite and online and engage with Library staff.

Creating a positive environment at the Library relies on mutual respect. You can expect a safe, respectful and inclusive environment. In turn, we expect you to follow this Code when using our spaces, services and collections.  

Following this Code is a condition of entry and access to Library services. 

How this Code works

This Code applies to everyone using the Library.

It is based on the National Library Regulations 2018 made under the National Library Act 1960.

It also works alongside our National Library website and Catalogue Terms and Conditions, the Trove Terms of Use and the social media and online community guidelines which apply when using online services.

This Code covers interactions with Library staff, Authorised Officers, security officers, contractors and volunteers and use of Library buildings, spaces and facilities. 

1) Respectful behaviour

You must treat staff, Authorised Officers, security officers and other visitors with respect and courtesy.

Behaviour that a reasonable person would consider harassing, intimidating, aggressive, vexatious, unreasonable or offensive is prohibited.

You must follow reasonable directions from Library staff, Authorised Officers and security officers including during emergencies or when asked to adjust your behaviour.

You must keep noise low in the reading rooms. Speak softly, set phones to silent, take phone calls outside of the reading rooms and use headphones so others cannot hear audio.

You must not reserve reading room desks or PCs with belongings. One study space per person should be used to ensure space for all visitors.

2) Children and safety

When visiting the Library children under 12 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.  

Parents/guardians must actively supervise children, including when using digital devices and resources. Children must always remain within sight and under effective supervision. 

3) Bags and personal items

Bags larger than 30cm x 30cm x 30cm must be stored in the free secure lockers located on Lower Ground 1 before entering reading rooms and galleries. Lockers are cleared daily.

Staff, Library Authorised Officers and security officers may direct you to store or remove oversize bags and other prohibited items.

For safety and collection security, staff, Authorised Officers and security officers, may request inspection of any equipment, folders, bags or property as you enter or leave.  

It is a condition of entry to the Library that bags may be inspected upon entry or exit, and by entering you agree to this rule.

If you do not consent to a bag check, an Authorised Officer may ask you to leave or suspend your access to the building.

Do not leave personal belongings unattended anywhere in the Library’s public areas, meeting rooms or Friends’ Lounge. The Library is not responsible for personal belongings and unattended items may trigger a security incident. 

4) Food, drink and smoking

Food and drink are not permitted in theatre, reading rooms or exhibition galleries.  

Bottles and/or containers with a fully sealable lid that only contain plain water are permitted only in the Main Reading Room and Petherick Reading Room (not in the Special Collections Reading Room).  

Smoking and vaping is not permitted anywhere on Library premises, including the building exterior.

5) Using and caring for our collections

Physical collection items must not be taken out of the Library. Use them in the reading rooms only and handle them with care by following the Collection Care and Preservation Policy.

When accessing, using, copying or re‑using collection material, including digital material comply with this Code and the applicable Terms of Use.

6) Copying, sharing and cultural rights

When copying or sharing material, comply with:

• the Copyright Act 1968;
• any rights agreements applying to Library material; and  
• any licences or access conditions that apply to electronic resources.  

Some collections contain Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property. Access or reuse may require permissions or consultation with relevant First Nations communities. See Contact Points for Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP). 

7) Devices and acceptable use of technology

The Library provides onsite public computers and free Wi‑Fi for study, reference and research purposes. All users must use devices responsibly and in ways that are considerate of others.

8) Social media, photography and filming

Visitors may use social media in the Library provided this does not disrupt others or infringe privacy, copyright, or cultural rights.

Casual photography for personal use is generally permitted where it does not disrupt others or involve restricted areas or collection material. Visitors must seek permission before photographing, filming or livestreaming collection material, staff or other visitors.

Professional photography, filming and livestreaming are permitted only when authorised by staff and it does not disrupt others.  

Livestreaming and online sharing must be respectful and comply with this Code. 

9) Safety, security and privacy

Public spaces are monitored by CCTV and patrolled by security officers for the safety of visitors and collections.  

CCTV is used in line with the Library’s CCTV footage privacy notice and Privacy Policy.  

If you have questions about how your personal information is managed, please contact privacy@nla.gov.au.  

10) Compliance and consequences

If you do not comply with this Code, you may:

receive a warning from staff, Authorised Officers or security officers;  

have your access to Library services suspended or restricted by Authorised Officers;  

be directed to leave the building by an Authorised Officer; or  

be refused access to the building by an Authorised Officer.

Action will be proportionate to the circumstances and may occur without warning where necessary for safety, security or compliance.

11) Need assistance or wish to give feedback?

Ask a staff member or complete our Feedback form.  

We aim to provide high levels of service and a welcoming environment for all.

Quick Links

• National Library Regulations 2018
• National Library Act 1960
• Website and Catalogue Terms and Conditions
• Trove Terms of Use
• Social media and online community guidelines
• Reading rooms
• Collection care and preservation policy
• Computers, internet and wifi
• Accessibility
• CCTV footage privacy notice
• Feedback